IND vs SA: "Losing home tests used to be an occasion now it’s a ritual"- Gautam Gambhir's India targeted by fans after India's loss to South Africa in Kolkata

Ankitjit Singh is a Sub-Editor at Khel Now, known for his in-depth knowledge of cricket.

Published at :November 16, 2025 at 3:15 PM

Modified at :November 16, 2025 at 3:15 PM

India suffers 30-run loss to South Africa

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

India lost the first IND vs SA test by a margin of 30 runs.

The Indian Cricket Team faced a shock defeat in the first test against the South African cricket Team. The hosts suffered a poor 30-run loss at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday. The Proteas broke the jinx of winning in India as they registered their first win on Indian soil after 15 years in test cricket.

The third day, on which the match ended, began with South Africa captain Temba Bavuma (55*) playing a blinder on a tough pitch, hitting the lone fifty of the match. Corbin Bosch (25) supported him brilliantly as they added 44 runs together, which was the game-changer.

Their partnership took South Africa to 153, setting a target of 124 for India. In the chase, India had a worst possible start, losing both openers for just one. Washington Sundar (31) held the fort for India and batted brilliantly.

However, he lacked support from the other end as Indian batters struggled against Simon Harmer. Axar Patel (26) hit some blows in the end but perished as South Africa bundled out India for 93 to win the game by 30 runs.

Temba Bavuma, South Africa, ICC WTC 2023-25 final — South Africa captain Temba Bavuma during day three of the ICC World Test Championship Final match at Lord’s, London. Picture date: Friday June 13th, 2025. (Photo by Ben Whitley/PA Images via Getty Images)

The match overall was a struggle for Indian batters despite the bowlers doing brilliantly. They ended South Africa’s innings for just 159 in the first innings and it was expected that they would take a big lead. But that wasn’t the case as they managed just 189, taking a slender lead of 30.

In the second innings again, bowlers had a great time but batters disappointed. They struggled against Simon Harmer, who took eight wickets in the match, as the visitors took a lead of 1-0 in the series.

Fans on X react as South Africa beat India in the first test

As South Africa beat India in the first test, fans on X (formerly Twitter) reacted to it. They lashed out at the Indian side for their poor outing with the bat, giving some angry reactions:

CAPTAIN TEMBA BAVUMA, thats the tweet, remember and respect the name #INDvSA 🇿🇦🏏🔥
— Gills (@gpricey23) November 16, 2025

New Zealand all over again. #IndvSA
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) November 16, 2025

Thought we would have learned our lesson on "curating" pitches from the WC 2023 Final but, no.Let's keep pretending spinning pitches are still our strength.#IndvSA
— Sorabh Pant (@hankypanty) November 16, 2025

Tired of these 2-day lottery pitches. India's Test cricketers (and people who care about Test cricket) deserve better!#IndvSA
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) November 16, 2025

Temba Bavuma in front of Bumrah, Siraj and Axar #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/yMRTyie9ko
— Sajcasm (@sajcasm_) November 16, 2025

Looks like we haven’t learned our lesson from NZ series loss. The gap between our spinners and opposition spinners reduces on pitches like this. We need to go back to classic Indian pitches, like the ones in 2016-17 season when Virat was captain and Eng and NZ toured. #INDvSA
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) November 16, 2025

Losing home Tests used to be an ocassion now it’s a ritual.
— Prashanth (@ps_it_is) November 16, 2025

Under captaincy of Virat Kohli, we lost just 2 tests in 8 years in home conditions.Under coaching of Gautam Gambhir, we have already lost 4 tests in 1 year in home conditions that too against NZ & South Africa not against Australia or England!Please sack him from tests &… pic.twitter.com/bTL4dlgyME
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) November 16, 2025

Thank you GG. Thank you for not learning despite losing three Tests against NZ. Thank you for underestimating yet another team with a lottery pitch and defensive fields and giving us the joy of fourth loss in six home Tests. That should be the end of WTC final hopes. Thank you…
— Anuj Nitin Prabhu (@APTalksCricket) November 16, 2025

Home tests lost under Ravi Shastri: 1Home tests lost under Anil Kumble: 1Home tests lost under Rahul Dravid: 2Home tests lost under Gautam Gambhir: 4
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) November 16, 2025

"SA had such an easy route the last cycle""SA didn't have to play tough opponents""SA can't win in Pakistan or India"Well well, they've won their last two Tests in the subcontinent WORLD TEST CHAMPIONS for a reason!#INDvSA
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) November 16, 2025

Negative –India have now lost 4 home Tests in the last 12 months under GG. What a shame. Earlier, visiting teams wouldn’t even dream of winning here — even a draw was huge for them. Now we’re struggling in our own backyard. It’s embarrassing.
— Probodh Mandal (@MandalProbodh) November 16, 2025

So four tests now lost in a row at home to SENA teams. Crazy. This is what happens when you prepare sub standard pitches. Time for introspection @BCCI @GautamGambhir . Enough is enough: let’s not destroy test cricket. We are good enough to win without these ‘doctored’ pitches:…
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) November 16, 2025

While we have been excellent in white- ball cricket.We can’t call ourselves a top Test side with such planning.Selections without clarity and over-tactical thinking are backfiring. Poor results over a year in tests barring a drawn series in England. . #IndvsSA
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) November 16, 2025

INDIA LOST 4 OUT OF THEIR 6 TEST MATCHES AT HOME. 🤯– For a reference, India lost only 2 home Tests from 2015 to 2022. pic.twitter.com/b10FDDeVat
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 16, 2025

Who won the first IND vs SA test?

South Africa won the first IND vs SA test.

Who is leading the IND vs SA test series?

South Africa are leading the IND vs SA test series by a margin of 1-0.

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Ankitjit Singh

Ankitjit Singh is a dedicated sports journalist whose childhood dream was to play cricket—now, he serves the game through his work. With over three years of experience in reporting, writing, and editing, he brings deep insight to his coverage. A journalism graduate from Delhi University, Ankitjit’s passion for cricket took root during his college days and continues to drive his career.